On June 3, Jessica Chapin '10 succeeded Lauren Haynie to become Brandeis University’s 13th Director of Athletics. Chapin received her master’s degree in sports administration from Springfield College in 2013 and her professional career began in 2010 at Western New England University, where she served as the Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach until 2014. Prior to her time at Brandeis, Chapin served as the Director of Athletics for the American International College beginning in 2020. 

Brandeis is not a new place for Chapin as she graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health: Science, Society, and Policy. Additionally, she played on the women’s basketball team during her time as an undergraduate student.

In a statement to The Justice made on Sept. 21, Chapin expressed her gratitude for her time representing the Judges as an athlete. “My time on the Brandeis women's basketball team taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, discipline, resilience, and leadership. Those experiences have been fundamental in shaping my leadership philosophy as an athletic director. I’ve learned the importance of fostering a supportive, inclusive culture, and that success comes from a combination of hard work, trust, and effective communication,” Chapin expressed.

As the previous Director of Athletics at AIC, the job is not entirely new to Chapin Her job was operationally intensive, which she said gave her a well grounded logistical foundation to become the Brandeis Director of Athletics.

“At Brandeis, the scope of my role has broadened. My experience at AIC helped me develop the organizational and leadership skills needed to navigate complex challenges, but at Brandeis, I am more focused on long-term vision, collaboration,and elevating the overall student-athlete experience,” Chapin explained.

As Director of Athletics at Brandeis, Chapin also draws on the powerful impact that Brandeis athletics had on her as inspiration for her new job. As her alma mater, Chapin said that Brandeis shaped her identity both personally and professionally. 

“My time as a student-athlete at Brandeis left an indelible mark, and the opportunity to return and give back to the university in such a meaningful way was deeply exciting. The chance to lead and enhance the athletic programs that helped me grow, combined with the values Brandeis represents, made it an ideal place to take on this leadership role,” Chapin reflected. Her experience as an athlete at Brandeis motivates Chapin as she is committed to the full circle opportunity she has now as a leader of the athletics department. 

As the Brandeis director of athletics Chapin seeks to improve the student-athlete experience, continuing to build community between athletics and Brandeis as a whole and making sure athletics at Brandeis remain competitive. 

Chapin explained that “a big part of her approach involves taking the time to listen and learn from student-athletes, coaches and staff to understand what’s working well and where there are opportunities for growth.” 

Early on in Chapin’s new job, budget cuts at Brandeis have affected the athletics department. She said that the budget cuts have required Brandeis to become more efficient and focus on resource optimization, increasing external fundraising efforts and solidifying the alumni network to ensure necessary financial support for all athletic programs.

“[The budget cuts] have not diminished our commitment to providing a high-quality experience for our student-athletes,” assured Chapin.

Overall, Chapin hopes to help create a positive experience for student athletes by emphasizing improved communication between administration and students: “I want to make sure that students feel heard and that their input influences the decisions we make,” Chapin said.

Communication is central to Chapin’s philosophy in serving as the Director of Athletics. So far, her favorite aspect of the job is interacting with student-athletes, coaches, staff and the general Brandeis community. Her goals are centered around the importance of communication in navigating challenges so that everyone can meet their academic, personal, and athletic goals.

Optimistic about the upcoming year, Chapin believes that “while there are certainly challenges…, each one [is] an opportunity to innovate and strengthen our programs, which makes every aspect of the job fulfilling in its own way.”